What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted by Perth Blocked Drains Plumber on 22 Nov 2025

Toilet blockages can occur at any time, and are a common issue for homeowners. It can be unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient, and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always have to call the plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll walk you through simple steps to unclog your toilet in no time.

Key Takeaways

  • Toilet blockages can be resolved with the use of simple tools such as plungers, baking soda

The tools you’ll need

Before we begin it is essential to be prepared with these tools at hand:

  • Rubber Gloves
  • Plunger
  • Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
  • A Wire Coat hanger, or a Plumbing Snake (Optional)

Step 1: Close the valve for water flow.

The first step you must do when confronted with a blocked toilet is turning off the supply of water that is behind the toilet. This will ensure that there is no further water entering the tank as you work on unclogging it. The valve is typically located near the bottom of the tank on the other side.

Step 2: Make sure you are protected by wearing rubber gloves.

Protect your hands from germs or bacteria present in your toilet bowl by wearing rubber gloves prior using any tools that help in unclogging.

Step 3: Use a plunger.

A plunger is the most effective tool to use for clearing up blocked toilets. Begin by pressing down on the plunger until all air is released, then place it in the toilet bowl and start plunging vigorously up and down for approximately 20 minutes. The suction caused by plunging back and forth can help clear any obstructions.

Tips:

  • Be sure to use a powerful but controlled movement.
  • Fill in holes around sinks and shower drains if they’re close enough to prevent the air from escaping when you plunge.

Step 4: Make a baking soda with vinegar.

If plunges don’t work then try this alternative method Pour half a cup of baking soda and one cups of white vinegar to the toilet. Allow the mixture to settle for around 15 minutes. It will begin to bubble before it slows down you can pour hot water down (not overly hot) to remove the obstruction.

Step 5 Utilize a coat hanger with wire or a plumbing snake.

If plunging, baking soda and vinegar have not worked, then it is the time to employ a wire coat hanger, or plumbing snake. The coat hanger should be straightened’s cord until you have a long thin wire that has hooks that are bent at one end or use to use the plumbing snake. It is specifically designed for clearing drain clogs. Put the tool in your toilet drain hole and then twist to turn, push, or pull until you feel resistance. that’s where the blockage usually occurs. Try to break up any blockages with a back-andforth motion but without causing any damage to your pipe.

Note:

  • Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions hard as they can cause more harm.

Step 6: Restart the water supply and test the result

Once you’ve cleared up any blockages, it is crucial to turn off the water supply valve that is behind your toilet bowl again. Make sure to flush it several times to make sure that everything is running smoothly!

Tools Description
Rubber Gloves Hand protection from potential bacteria or germs present in the toilet bowl.
Plunger Most effective tool for clearing up blocked toilets. Press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl and plunge vigorously up and down for about 20 seconds.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Mixture to use if plunging doesn’t work. Pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let this mixture settle for about 15 minutes, then pour hot water down (not boiling) to flush out the blockage.
Wire Coat Hanger or Plumbing Snake Tools to use if both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed. Straighten the wire coat hanger until you have a long thin wire with a hook bent at one end or use the plumbing snake, which is designed specifically for clearing drain clogs.

FAQs

What can I do to tell whether my toilet is clogged?

The most obvious indications of a toilet that is blocked is when water rises to the brim after flushing. It is also possible to notice that the water drains slowly or you hear sounds of gurgling coming out of the bathroom.

What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?

If you suspect the toilet is blocked and you are unable to flush it, do not attempt to flush it in the future as this could cause flooding. Instead, turn off the water supply at the valve in front of the toilet and utilize a plunger and remove any blockages. If this fails contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.

How can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?

Yes! There are many ways to keep your toilet from being blocked. This includes avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like toiletries, wet wipes or cotton wool into the toilet. Avoid spilling oil or grease down the drain, which could cause solidification and block pipes.

When should I contact a professional plumber to resolve a toilet that has become blocked?

If you’ve tried splurging your toilet but it still isn’t unblocking, or you think there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system causing frequent blockages, you need to call in a professional plumber like Perth Blocked Drains Plumber . We’ve had years of experience tackling all kinds of plumbing problems that we can quickly detect and address any issues with minimal disturbance to the home.

Do I need to schedule my drains cleared?

It’s recommended that you have your drains cleaned by experts like Perth Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This can prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If, however, you often encounter blockages in your drains or slow draining of water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging them, then regular cleaning could be beneficial.

These strategies are simple to apply as the majority of items are readily available to homes. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be being anxious after attempting the strategies, you should contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Perth , if you’re looking for professional assistance for problems with your blocked toilets.

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